System and method for determining that a maximum number of IP sessions have been established

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for determining that a maximum number of IP sessions have been established are provided. There are instances when the mobile device transmits a request to the wireless network. According to an aspect, in the event that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device, the wireless network transmits a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled. The mobile device determines based on the response that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, which allows the mobile device to determine the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported so that IP sessions can be managed accordingly.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/823,427 filed on Aug. 24, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The application relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to IP sessions.

BACKGROUND

Communications between a mobile device and a corresponding node are processed in a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network through GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) serving nodes. The GPRS serving nodes include an SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) and a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node). Such communication exchange between the mobile device and the corresponding node involve communication exchange between the mobile device and the SGSN. Communication exchanges such as user plane communication (i.e. IP data traffic) between the mobile device and the SGSN node use one or more PDP contexts. There may be many PDP contexts depending on how many different applications of the mobile device are communicating over PDP contexts. However, the number of PDP contexts for the mobile device may be limited by the number of PDP contexts supported in the routing area in which the mobile device resides.

Different routing areas may support different numbers of PDP contexts. However, the mobile device is unaware of how many PDP contexts a given routing area supports for the mobile device. This can lead to undesirable situations. For instance, the mobile device might request a new PDP context to be established while unaware that a maximum number of IP sessions is already established. Therefore, the mobile device will be unsuccessful in establishing the new PDP context. Furthermore, in some instances, the mobile device is unaware of why establishing the new PDP context is unsuccessful. If the mobile device is unaware of the maximum number of IP sessions supported for the mobile device, then the mobile device cannot properly manage PDP contexts. If more services using a PDP context are requested by the user than are supported by network then there may be some sort of multiplexing of which some services are delayed, etc.

A possible approach is for the mobile device to always assume that only one PDP context is supported. However, this approach does not take advantage of when additional PDP contexts are supported. This may result in unhappy users on networks that supported more than one PDP context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example wireless network and a mobile device;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the mobile device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of another mobile device;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example method of determining that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables of an example GMM cause information element;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are tables of an example SM cause information element;

FIGS. 5 through 7 are flowcharts of example methods of managing IP sessions based on the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of determining the number of supported PDP contexts;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of maintaining history information;

FIG. 10 is a table of an example format in which the history information may be maintained;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method of managing IP sessions; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example method of transmitting a response indicating that a request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to a broad aspect, there is provided a method in a mobile device comprising: transmitting at least one request of a predefined type; receiving an indication that a given request of the at least one request cannot be fulfilled because a maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device; and determining based on the indication that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method summarized above.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a mobile device comprising: a wireless access radio adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and an IP session management function adapted to: transmit at least one request of a predefined type; receive an indication that a request of the at least one request cannot be fulfilled because a maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device; and determining based on the indication that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method in a wireless network comprising: upon receiving from a mobile device residing in a given network area a request of a predefined type: determining whether there is a maximum number of IP sessions already established for the mobile device for the given network area; and if the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, transmitting to the mobile device a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method summarized above.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a wireless network comprising an IP session function adapted to: upon receiving from a mobile device residing in a given network area a request of a predefined type determine whether there is a maximum number of IP sessions already established for the mobile device for the given network area; and if the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, transmit to the mobile device a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method comprising: using information identifying a number of IP sessions supported by a given network area, a mobile device actively managing allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method summarized above.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a mobile device comprising: a wireless access radio adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and an IP session management function adapted to: using information identifying a number of IP sessions supported by a given network area, actively manage allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported.

Wireless Communication System

Referring now to FIG. 1A, shown is a block diagram of an example wireless network 100 and a mobile device 10. The wireless network 100 has a first routing area 30 and a second routing area 40. There may be other routing areas, but they are not shown for simplicity. Each routing area has at least one RNC (Radio Network Controller). In the illustrated example, the first routing area 30 has a first RNC 31 and a second RNC 32 while the second routing area 40 has a single RNC 41. Each RNC 31, 32, 41 is associated with a respective RNC id. The first RNC 31 and the second RNC 32 of the first routing area 30 have an RNC Id 31 a and an RNC Id 32 a, respectively, while the single RNC 41 of the second routing area 40 has an RNC id 41 a. Each cell (not shown) within an RNC (via a Node B) is associated with an RAI (Routing Area Identification) in a hierarchal fashion. An RAT may include one or more cells and span across RNCs. In some implementations, each RAI is a combination of a country code, a network code, and a routing area code. RAIs may differ for other wireless networks.

In the illustrated example, each RNC 31, 32, 41 is coupled to an SGSN (Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node) 50, which in turn is coupled to a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) 60, which in turn is coupled to a PDN (Packet Data Network) 70. The PDN 70 may for example be an Internet. The SGSN 50 has an IP session function 51 coupled to a processor 52 and may have other components, but they are not shown for simplicity.

The wireless network 100 is shown with a single mobile device, namely the mobile device 10. There may be other mobile devices, but they are not shown for simplicity. With reference to FIG. 1B shown is a block diagram of the mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1A. The mobile device 10 has a processor 12, which is coupled to a wireless access radio 11, an IP session management function 13, applications 14, and a user interface 15. The mobile device 10 may have other components, but they are not shown for sake of simplicity. With reference back to FIG. 1A, the mobile device 10 is currently positioned within the first routing area 31. However, the mobile device 10 may move to another routing area such as the second routing area 40 as indicated by a moving arrow 19.

In operation, the mobile device 10 is adapted to communicate with the wireless network 100 using its wireless access radio 11. Such communication may for example be voice communication, electronic messaging, or any other appropriate form of communication supported by the applications 14. At least some communication with the wireless network 100 is over one or more IP sessions between the mobile device 10 and the SGSN 50. A PDP (Packet Data Protocol) session is an example of an IP session. There may be many IP sessions between the mobile device 10 and the SGSN 50 depending on how many of the applications 14 have an established IP session. However, the number of IP sessions is typically limited by the routing area in which the mobile device 30 resides, which is currently the first routing area 30.

There are instances when the mobile device 10 transmits a request of a predefined type such as an Activate IP Session Request or an IP Session Service Request. The wireless network 100 receives the request and determines whether there is a maximum number of IP sessions already established for the mobile device 10. According to an embodiment of the application, the IP session function 51 implements a method in the wireless network 100 so that in the event that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device 10, the wireless network 100 transmits a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established. The mobile device 10 receives the response. According to another embodiment of the application, the IP session management function 13 implements a method in the mobile device 10 so as to determine based on the response that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established. This allows the mobile device 10 to determine the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported so that IP sessions can be managed by the mobile device 10 accordingly. Further details are provided below with reference to FIGS. 2 through 11.

In the illustrated example, it is assumed that within each routing area the same number of IP sessions is supported for the mobile device 10 regardless of how many RNCs are present. Typically a routing area has a single RNC, such is the case with the second routing area 40. The number of IP sessions supported for a given mobile device is currently limited by the RNC. Therefore, while the limiting factor is actually the RNC, the routing area can typically be regarded as the limiting factor. However, a routing area might have more than one RNC, such is the case with the first routing area 30. Therefore, it is possible for a routing area to support a different number of PDP contexts for a mobile device depending on where in the routing area the mobile device resides. This is the case in which the routing area cannot be regarded as the limiting factor. While the examples presented herein refer to “routing areas” as limiting the number of IP sessions for a mobile device, it is to be understood that more generally an “area” of the network limits the number of IP sessions for the mobile device. The “area” may be a routing area, a portion of a routing area as defined for example by an RNC Id, a network, a cell id, or any other area in which the number of IP sessions supported for a mobile device is limited.

In some implementations, there are subtleties between the Connected/Active state (CELL_DCH, CELL_FACH) and the Idle state (CELL_PCH, URA_PCH, IDLE) for the mobile device. The routing area is known to the mobile device while in the Idle state; however, the RNC id is typically not known. While in the Idle state, a mobile device moves to the Connected/Active state in order to find out its serving RNC id. This may waste battery life, etc. Therefore, in some implementations, the number of IP sessions supported is considered for a routing area irrespective of whether this is the lowest level of granularity.

There are many possibilities for the IP session management function 13 of the mobile device 10. In the illustrated example, the IP session management function 13 is implemented as software and is executed on the processor 12. However, more generally, the IP session management function 13 may be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any appropriate combination thereof. In the illustrated example, the IP session management function 13 is shown as a single component. However, more generally, the IP session management function 13 may be implemented as one or more components. An example in which the IP session management function 13 includes more than one component is described below.

In some implementations, the IP session management function 13 includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) and an AS (Access Stratum). The NAS Includes a session management layer and manages IP sessions. The NAS may for example initiate an Activate PDP context request message to be sent to the SGSN 50. The AS manages an air interface of the wireless access radio 11 and includes a respective RAB (Radio Access Bearer) for each active IP session. An RAB is an identifier for an RF (Radio Frequency) pipe. There may be dormant IP sessions without respective RABs. The AS may for example initiate a service request message to be sent to the RNC.

There are many possibilities for the IP session function 51 of the wireless network 100. In the illustrated example, the IP session function 51 is implemented as software and is executed on the processor 52. However, more generally, the IP session function 51 may be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any appropriate combination thereof. In the illustrated example, the IP session function 51 is shown as a single component of the SGSN 50. However, more generally, the IP session function 51 may be implemented as one or more components and may be implemented as part of, or separate from, the SGSN 50. The one or more components may be distributed throughout the wireless network 100, or reside in a common location. Other implementations are possible.

There are many possibilities for the wireless network 100. In the illustrated example, the wireless network 100 is a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network. However, more generally, the wireless network 100 may be any wireless network in which routing areas restrict how many IP sessions can be established for a given mobile device.

There are many possibilities for the mobile device 10. Referring now to FIG. 1C, shown is a block diagram of another mobile device 80 that may implement any of the methods described herein. It is to be understood that the mobile device 80 is shown with very specific details for example purposes only.

A processing device (a microprocessor 128) is shown schematically as coupled between a keyboard 114 and a display 126. The microprocessor 128 controls operation of the display 126, as well as overall operation of the mobile device 80, in response to actuation of keys on the keyboard 114 by a user.

The mobile device 60 has a housing that may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizes and shapes (including clamshell housing structures). The keyboard 114 may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text entry and telephony entry.

In addition to the microprocessor 128, other parts of the mobile device 80 are shown schematically. These include: a communications subsystem 170; a short-range communications subsystem 102; the keyboard 114 and the display 126, along with other input/output devices including a set of LEDS 104, a set of auxiliary I/O devices 106, a serial port 103, a speaker 111 and a microphone 112; as well as memory devices including a flash memory 116 and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 118; and various other device subsystems 120. The mobile device 80 may have a battery 121 to power the active elements of the mobile device 80. The mobile device 80 is in some embodiments a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication device having voice and data communication capabilities in addition, the mobile device 80 in some embodiments has the capability to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by the microprocessor 128 is in some embodiments stored in a persistent store, such as the flash memory 116, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as the RAM 118. Communication signals received by the mobile device 80 may also be stored to the RAM 118.

The microprocessor 128, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications on the mobile device 80. A predetermined set of software applications that control basic device operations, such as a voice communications module 130A and a data communications module 130B, may be installed on the mobile device 80 during manufacture. In addition, a personal information manager (PIM) application module 130C may also be installed on the mobile device 80 during manufacture. The PIM application is in some embodiments capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is also in some embodiments capable of sending and receiving data items via a wireless network 110. In some embodiments, the data items managed by the PIM application are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network 110 with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system. As well, additional software modules, illustrated as another software module 130N, may be installed during manufacture.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem 170, and possibly through the short-range communications subsystem 170. The communication subsystem 170 includes a receiver 150, a transmitter 152 and one or more antennas, illustrated as a receive antenna 154 and a transmit antenna 156. In addition, the communication subsystem 170 also includes a processing module, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 158, and local oscillators (LOs) 160. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem 170 is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile device 80 is intended to operate. For example, the communication subsystem 170 of the mobile device 80 may be designed to operate with the Mobitex™, DataTAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access CDMA, Personal Communications Service (PCS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile device 80.

Network access may vary depending upon the type of communication system. For example, in the Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ networks, mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique Personal identification Number (PIN) associated with each device. In GPRS networks, however, network access is typically associated with a subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS device therefore typically has a subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.

When network registration or activation procedures have been completed, the mobile device 80 may send and receive communication signals over the communication network 110. Signals received from the communication network 110 by the receive antenna 154 are routed to the receiver 150, which provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signal allows the DSP 158 to perform more complex communication functions, such as demodulation and decoding in a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 110 are processed (e.g., modulated and encoded) by the DSP 158 and are then provided to the transmitter 152 for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to the communication network 110 (or networks) via the transmit antenna 156.

In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP 158 provides for control of the receiver 150 and the transmitter 152. For example, gains applied to communication signals in the receiver 150 and the transmitter 152 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 158.

In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message or web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem 170 and is input to the microprocessor 128. The received signal is then further processed by the microprocessor 128 for an output to the display 126, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O devices 106. A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the keyboard 114 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 106, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other type of input device. The composed data items may then be transmitted over the communication network 110 via the communication subsystem 170.

In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device is substantially similar to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker 111, and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone 112. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the mobile device 80. In addition, the display 126 may also be utilized in voice communication mode, for example, to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem 102 enables communication between the mobile device 80 and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.

Method in a Mobile Device

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a flowchart of an example method of determining that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established. This method may be implemented in a mobile device, for example by the IP session priority management function 13 of the mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1B, or by the mobile device 80 shown in FIG. 1C.

At step 2-1, the mobile device transmits a request of a predefined type. The wireless network receives and processes the request. In this example, it is assumed that the wireless network cannot fulfill the request because a maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. The wireless network transmits a response, which is received by the mobile device at step 2-2. The response indicates that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. At step 2-3, the mobile device determines based on the response that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.

There are many ways that the response can indicate that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. In some implementations, the response includes a cause code indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. Moore generally, the response may include any appropriate indication that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, shown are tables of an example GMM cause information element. It is to be understood that the GMM cause information element shown in the illustrated example is a specific implementation of a cause code for example purposes only. The purpose of the GMM cause information element is to indicate the reason why a GMM request from the mobile device is rejected by the wireless network. As shown in FIG. 3A, the GMM cause is a type 3 information element with 2 octets length. The second octet is for the cause value. As shown in FIG. 3E, there are many possible cause values. Cause value “01100110” indica tes that the maximum number of PDP contexts has already been activated. In some implmenations, the cause value is part of causes related to PLMN specific network failures and congestion/Authentication Failures.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, shown are tables of an example SM cause information element. It is to be understood that the SM cause information element shown in the illustrated example is a specific implementation of a cause code for example purposes only. The purpose of the SM cause information element is to indicate the reason why a session management request is rejected. As shown in FIG. 4A, the SM cause is a type 3 information element with 2 octets length. The second octet is for the cause value. As shown in FIG. 4B, there are many possible cause values. Cause value “01100110” indicates that the maximum number of PDP contexts has already been activated. In some implmenations, the cause value is part of GPRS specific cause values for GPRS Session Management.

In some implmetations, a cause value of 102 indciates that the maximum number of PDP contexts has already been activated. More generally, any appropriate cause value may be implemented.

There are many possibilities for the request of the predefined type and the response. In some implementations, the type of response depends on the type of request. Examples are provided below.

In one example, the request may be an Activate IP Session Request for requesting a new IP session to be established, while the response is an Activate IP Session Reject for rejecting the IP Session Request. In some implementations, the Activate IP Session Request is an Activate PDP context request while the response is an Activate PDP context Reject.

In another example, the request is an IP session Service Request for requesting service for an existing IP session, while the response is an IP Service Reject for rejecting the IP session Service Request. In some implementations, the IP session Service Request is a service request and the IP Service Reject is a Service Reject.

In another example, the request is an Activate PDP context request for requesting a new PDP context to be established, while the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context. This may occur for example if the mobile device transmits the Activate PDP context request in an area that does not support enough PDP contexts to fulfill the request. In this example, since a new PDP context is not initially established in response to the Activate PDP context request, the request is considered to be unfulfilled. However, in some implementations, after an existing PDP context is deactivated, the new PDP context that was requested becomes established.

In another example, the request is an RAU request for requesting to change to a new routing area, while the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context. This may occur for example if the mobile device transmits the RAU request after moving to a new routing area that does not support enough PDP contexts to fulfill the request. Other requests and corresponding responses are possible.

Example messages have been provided above for the response to the request. In some implementations, the messages are based on messages defined in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) TS 24.008 V7.5.0 with appropriate modification for indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. Other implementations are possible.

In some implementations, the type of request depends on the state of the mobile device. For example, the type of request may vary depending on whether the mobile device is in the Idle State as compared with the Active/Connected State. In some implementations, the mobile device might transmit an IP Session Service Request message so as to request service for an existing TP Session while in the Active/Connected State. However, in some implementations, the mobile device never transmits an IP Session Service Request message while in the Idle State. In some implementations, requests of the predefined type are transmitted only while the mobile device is in the Active/Connected State Other implementations are possible.

In some implementations, the mobile device manages IP sessions based on the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device. An example is provided with reference to FIG. 5. At step 5-1, the mobile device determines the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device based on the response. At step 5-2, the mobile device manages IP sessions based on the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device.

There are many ways for the mobile device to determine the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported. In some implementations, the manner in which the mobile device determines the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported depends on the request of the predefined type. For instance, if the request is an Activate PDP context request and the mobile device is aware of how many IP sessions are established prior to the request, then upon receiving a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, the mobile device might determine that the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported is equal to how many IP sessions are established prior to the request. There are other possibilities for determining the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported. Other examples are provided later with reference to FIG. 8.

There are many ways that the mobile de vice may manage IP sessions based on the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device. Examples are provided below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. It is to be understood that these examples are specific and are intended to be for example purposes only. Other implementations are possible.

Referring first to FIG. 6, at step 6-1 the mobile device accepts a request from an application for establishing a new IP session. The application may be an application running on the mobile device that is adapted to communicate over an IP session. At step 6-2, the mobile device determines whether to request the new IP session from the wireless network based on the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device. The mobile device may for example request the new IP session only if the number of IP sessions that are established is less than the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device.

Referring next to FIG. 7, at step 7-1 the mobile device prioritizes IP sessions. At step the mobile device maintains IP sessions of higher priority ahead of IP sessions of lower priority when IP sessions are restricted by the maximum number of IP sessions that can be supported for the mobile device.

It is to be understood that an IP session is indicated to be of “higher” priority when its priority is generally indicated as being higher than other IP sessions. In some implementations, this is the IP session with the highest priority. An IP session indicated as having a higher priority may not be a high priority IP session per se, but is nonetheless indicated as having a higher priority than other IP sessions.

There are many ways that the mobile device may prioritizes IP sessions. In some implementations, the mobile device accepts user input for determining a respective priority for each IP session. Accordingly, the mobile device determines the respective priority for each IP session based on the user input. In other implementations, the mobile device maintains a record of a predefined priority level for each IP session of a predefined type. Accordingly, the mobile device determines the respective priority for each IP session based on the record. Other implementations are possible.

Another Method in a Mobile Device

In a specific example of a method of establishing a PDP context, when a GPRS mobile phone sets up a PDP context, an Access Point Name (APN) is determined, and the access point is then used in a DNS query to a private DNS network. This process (called APN resolution) finally gives the IP address of the GGSN which should serve the access point. At this point a PDP context can be activated.

GPRS and UMTS networks have a limitation on the number of simultaneous PDP contexts that are supported. The number of PDP contexts may vary as a mobile device moves between differing parts of a network, or between different networks. Currently there is no information supplied to the mobile device to inform it of the number of PDP contexts supported. The result is that when a mobile device moves from a first area where there are enough PDP contexts supported to satisfy the mobile device's needs to a second area where there are not enough PDP contexts supported to satisfy the mobile device's needs, the network might drop one or more of the existing PDP contexts in an unpredictable manner. This problem is especially prevalent in UMTS networks as many only support one PDP context. In such networks, only one device function can have connectivity at a time and so always-on services such as push E-mail cannot operate simultaneously with WAP (wireless access point) surfing on a network's specific APN.

An event based method is provided for determining the number of PDP contexts in a given network area. A network area may be an entire network or part of a network. The following are specific examples of events that can occur when PDP contexts are activated one past the number supported:

MT PDP Deactivate Request;

PDP Activate Reject.

In some embodiments, cause codes within the messages are used to allow differentiation between deactivations and rejects for other legitimate reasons. When any of these events occurs with the correct cause code the number of active PUP contexts is counted and this is stored as watermark to the number of PDP contexts supported by the network. In some embodiments, steps to determine the number of supported PDP may be proactively done at startup (discovery) or in the background as different APNs are requested.

Referring to FIG. 8, shown is a flowchart of a method of determining the number of supported PDP contexts. This method may be implemented in a mobile device, for example by the IP session priority management function 13 of the mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1B or by the mobile device 80 shown in FIG. 1C. At step 8-1, a mobile device attempts to establish simultaneous PDP contexts with a given network area and receives responses to such attempts. At step 8-2 on the basis of the attempts to establish PDP contexts, and the responses to such attempts, the mobile device determines a number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area.

In some embodiments, a default value for the number of PDP contexts supported by a network area is used that is based on capabilities of the wireless network. Such a default will also represent a maximum number of PDP contexts a network can support from the perspective of a given device. For example, if a given mobile device supports a maximum of 6 PDP contexts, then the default value initially is 6, and this will be reduced once the device attempts to establish that many simultaneous contexts unsuccessfully.

In some embodiments, establishing a number of PDP contexts supported by a given network area involves performing a count of how many simultaneous PDP contexts have been established. This can be done on an ongoing basis as new contexts are added. Alternatively, the count can be performed after one of the scenarios has occurred that indicates no more contexts are supported.

In some embodiments, determining the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area involves looking for specific defined responses to attempts to establish a PDP context. Once such a defined response is received, a conclusion that the most recent attempt to establish a PDP context was an attempt to establish one more PDP context than is supported by the current network. As such, the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area can be set to the number of simultaneous PDP contexts that have been established. This can involve looking at an ongoing count that was performed, or performing the count upon receiving the defined response.

The set of one or more defined responses that can trigger the above behaviour is implementation specific. The following is a set of specific defined responses one or more of which might be implemented:

a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 26;

a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 38;

a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 101;

a response requesting the deactivation of another existing context;

a response requesting the release of radio bearer associated with another existing context; and

a response specifically configured to indicate that there are no more PDP contexts available.

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is a flowchart of a method of maintaining history information. This method may be implemented in a mobile device, for example by the IP session priority management function 13 of the mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1B or by the mobile device 80 shown in FIG. 1C. At step 9-1, for previously visited network areas, the mobile device maintains history information indicating the number of PDP contexts supported by each network area. At step 9-2, each time a change in network area takes place, if the network area is listed in the history information the mobile device looks up the number of PDP contexts supported by the network area in the history information, and otherwise, establishes a number of PDP contexts supported by the new network area.

Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is a table 200 of an example format in which the history information may be maintained. The table 200 has a first column 202 for storing network area identifiers, and a second column 204 for storing the number of PDP contexts supported. A generic entry for the table is indicated at 206. The context support information can be maintained to a network area granularity defined on an implementation specific basis. In some embodiments, the granularity is to that of PLMN identifier, and an example record is indicated at 208; in some embodiments the granularity is to that of combined PLMN and LAC (local area code), and an example record is indicated at 210; in some embodiments the granularity is to that of combined RAC (routing area code) and RNC ID and example record is indicated at 212. Other granularities can alternatively be used. The granularity need not be consistent across all network areas.

Context Management based on Number of Contexts Supported

In some embodiments, having determined the number of contexts that are supported, the contexts are managed taking into account this information for example by controlling which PDP contexts are activated and de-activated to make behaviour more predictable. The context management is particularly useful when there are fewer PDP contexts than there are device functions that need PDP contexts.

Referring now to FIG. 11, shown is a flowchart of an example method of managing IP sessions. This method may be implemented in a mobile device, for example by the IP session priority management function 13 of the mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1B or by the mobile device 80 shown in FIG. 1C. At step 11-1, using information identifying a number of IP sessions supported by a given network area, a mobile device actively manages allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported.

The number of contexts may be determined using any of the above-described methods. More generally, the mobile device needs to somehow have determined or been made aware of the number of contexts supported. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile device receives the context support information from the given network area, for example when the mobile device first connects in a network area. In some embodiments, the mobile device is pre-configured with the context support information for a plurality of network areas. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of mobile devices determines the number of PDP contexts supported by network areas that mobile device visits, and makes this information available to the plurality of mobile devices. In some embodiments, the mobile device determines the information identifying the number of PDP contexts supported by a given network area by performing a database query.

In one example of context management, prior to changing network areas from a first network area to a second network area in which fewer PDP contexts are supported than in the first network area, the mobile device pre-emptively deactivates at least one selected PDP context. For example, if it is known that a particular first PDP context must be maintained, but that a second PDP context can be dropped, then by dropping the second PDP context before changing network areas, the chance of the first PDP context not being dropped after changing network areas is increased. This example assumes that history information for the next network is available.

In some embodiments, actively managing the allocation of PDP contexts involves prioritizing device functions, and allocating the PDP contexts by priority.

In some embodiments, after changing network areas from a first network area to a second network area in which fewer PDP contexts are supported than in the first network area, the mobile device selectively determines which device functions are to be allocated the PDP contexts in the second network area, and establishes these if not already established and deactivates others if not already deactivated. The behaviour of the new network may be unpredictable after moving from a first network area to a second network area with fewer supported contexts. This approach basically involves making the move, and then taking stock of which device functions were given PDP contexts and which were not and then making any necessary adjustments by establishing and/or deactivating contexts.

The above-summarized methods may find application in intra-RAT (radio access technology) scenarios (e.g. with WCDMA/UMTS networks) as well as in inter-RAT scenarios such as GPRS to UMTS handover.

The description above has assumed that it is the number of supported simultaneous PDP contexts that is to be determined, and then subsequently managed in some implementations. More generally, a similar approach can be used to determine the number of supported simultaneous IP sessions, a PDP context being a specific example of an IP session.

Method in a Wireless Network

Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is a flowchart of an example method of transmitting a response indicating that a request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established. This method may be implemented in a wireless network, for example by the IP session function 51 of the wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 1A.

The steps of the flowchart are executed upon receiving from a mobile device a request of a predefined type. At step 12-1 the wireless network determines whether the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. At step 12-2, if the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device, then the wireless network transmits to the mobile device a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.

There are many ways that the response can indicate that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device. Examples have already been presented above and are therefore not repeated here.

There are many possibilities for the request of the predefined type and the response. Examples have already been presented above and are therefore not repeated here.

IP Sessions

In the examples presented above, references are made to IP sessions. It is to be understood that there are many possibilities for the IP sessions. The IP sessions may for example include any of an Always-On IP session, an IM (Instant Messaging) IP session, a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) IP session, an MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), IP session, a DUN (Dial-Up Networking) IP session, an LBS (Location Base Services) IP session, IP Modem IP session, and a PTT (Push-to-Talk) IP session. The nature of the IP sessions is implementation specific and typically depends on the wireless network. In some implementations, the wireless network is a UMTS network and each IP session is part of a respective PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present application are possible in light of the above teachings it is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the application may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. A method in a mobile device comprising: transmitting at least one request of a predefined type; receiving an indication that a given request of the at least one request cannot be fulfilled because a maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device; and determining based on the indication that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported for the mobile device in a given network area based on the indication.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein: transmitting the at least one request comprises transmitting a plurality of requests in an attempt to establish simultaneous IP sessions; receiving the indication comprises receiving responses to the plurality of requests; and determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported comprises determining a number of IP sessions supported by the given network area on the basis of the attempts to establish IP sessions and the responses to such attempts.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported further comprises establishing a default value for the maximum number of IP sessions supported based on capabilities of the wireless network.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported further comprises: performing a count of how many simultaneous IP sessions have been established.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported further comprises: upon receiving a defined response to an attempt to establish an IP session, setting the number of IP sessions supported by the given network area to the count of how many simultaneous IP sessions have been established.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the defined response is one of: a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 26, a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 38; a PDP activate reject response with a cause code 101; a response requesting the deactivation of another existing context; a response requesting the release of radio bearer associated with another existing context; and a response specifically configured to indicate that there are no more PDP contexts available.
 8. The method of claim 2 further comprising: for previously visited network areas, maintaining history information indicating the maximum number of IP sessions supported by each network area; and upon moving to a new network area, if the new network area is listed in the history information looking up the maximum number of IP sessions supported by the network area in the history information, and otherwise, determining the maximum number of IP sessions supported by the new network area.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the history information is maintained for network areas to a granularity of PLMN.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein history information is maintained for network areas to a granularity of PLMN and LAC (local area code).
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein history information is maintained for network areas to a granularity of Routing Area Code (RAC) and Radio Network Controller Identifier (RNC Id).
 12. The method of claim 2 further comprising: prior to changing network areas from a first network area to a second network area in which fewer IP sessions are supported than in the first network area, the mobile device preemptively deactivating at least one selected IP session.
 13. The method of claim 3 further comprising: having established the number of IP sessions supported by a current network area, actively managing allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein actively managing the allocation of IP sessions comprises: prioritizing device functions, and allocating the IP sessions by priority.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein actively managing the allocation of IP sessions comprises: after changing network areas from a first network area to a second network area in which fewer IP sessions are supported than in the first network area, selectively determining which device functions are to be allocated the IP sessions in the second network area, and establishing these if not already established and deactivating others if not already deactivated.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving a response to the given request, the response comprising a cause code indicating that the given request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the cause code has a cause value of 102 indicating that the maximum number of IP sessions is already activated.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein: the given request is an Activate PDP context request for requesting a new PDP context to be established; and the response is an Activate PDP context reject for rejecting the Activate PDP context request.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein: the given request is a PDP context service request for requesting service for an existing PDP context; and the response is a service reject for rejecting the PDP context service request.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein: the given request is an Activate PDP context request for requesting a new PDP context to be established; and the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein: the given request is an RAU (Routing Area Update) request for requesting to change to a new routing area; and the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context.
 22. The method of claim 2 further comprising: managing IP sessions based on the maximum number of IP sessions supported.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: accepting a request from an application for establishing a new IP session; wherein managing IP sessions comprises determining whether to request the new IP session from the wireless network based on the maximum number of IP sessions supported.
 24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: prioritising IP sessions; wherein managing IP sessions comprises maintaining IP sessions of higher priority ahead of IP sessions of lower priority when IP sessions are restricted by the maximum number of IP sessions supported.
 25. The method of claim 1 wherein each IP session is part of a respective PDP context.
 26. A computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method of claim
 1. 27. A mobile device comprising a wireless access radio adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and an IP session management function adapted to transmit at least one request of a predefined type; is receive an indication that a request of the at least one request cannot be fulfilled because a maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device; and determining based on the indication that the maximum number of IP sessions is already established for the mobile device.
 28. A method in a wireless network comprising: upon receiving from a mobile device residing in a given network area a request of a predefined type: determining whether there is a maximum number of IP sessions already established for the mobile device for the given network area; and if the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, transmitting to the mobile device a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the response comprises a cause code, the cause code indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the cause code has a cause value of 102 indicating that the maximum number of IP sessions is already activated.
 31. The method of claim 28 wherein: the request of the predefined type is an Activate IP Session Request for requesting a new IP session to be established; and the response is an IP Session Reject for rejecting the Activate IP Session Request.
 32. The method of claim 28 wherein: the request of the predefined type is an IP Session Service Request for requesting service for an existing IP session; and the response is an IP Service Reject for rejecting the IP Session Service Request.
 33. The method of claim 28 wherein: the request of the predefined type is an Activate PDP context request for requesting a new PDP context to be established; and the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context.
 34. The method of claim 28 wherein: the request of the predefined type is an RAU (Routing Area Update) request for requesting to change to a new rotating area; and the response is an MT PDP Deactivate Request for deactivating an existing PDP context.
 35. The method of claim 28 wherein each IP session is part of a respective PDP context.
 36. A computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method of claim
 28. 37. A wireless network comprising an IP session function adapted to: upon receiving from a mobile device residing in a given network area a request of a predefined type: determine whether there is a maximum number of IP sessions already established for the mobile device for the given network area; and if the maximum number of IP sessions is already established, transmit to the mobile device a response indicating that the request cannot be fulfilled because the maximum number of IP sessions is already established.
 38. A method comprising: using information identifying a number of IP sessions supported by a given network area, a mobile device actively managing allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the IP sessions are PDP contexts.
 40. The method of claim 39 further comprising the mobile device determining the information identifying the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area by: the mobile device attempting to establish PDP contexts while residing in the given network area, and receiving responses to such attempts; and on the basis of the attempts to establish PDP contexts, and the responses to such attempts, the mobile device establishing the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area.
 41. The method of claim 39 further comprising the mobile device determining the information identifying the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area by: the mobile device receiving the information from the given network area.
 42. The method of claim 39 further comprising the mobile device being pre-configured with the information for a plurality of network areas.
 43. The method of claim 39 further comprising: each of a plurality of mobile devices determining the number of PDP contexts supported by network areas that mobile device visits, and making this information available to the plurality of mobile devices.
 44. The method of claim 39 further comprising: the mobile device determining the information identifying the number of PDP contexts supported by the given network area by performing a database query.
 45. A computer readable medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon for execution on a processor so as to implement the method of claim
 39. 46. A mobile device comprising: a wireless access radio adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and an IP session management function adapted to: using information identifying a number of IP sessions supported by a given network area, actively manage allocation of IP sessions where there are fewer IP sessions than there are device functions that need IP sessions, with regard to the number of IP sessions supported. 